Electrolytic switch



L. E. KlsslNGER ETAL Emc'mowmc swrrcn Oct. 24, 1950 Filed Feb. 16, 1943 m GNN M NAOM y .MGEL w swam C 4 MDET `Erwin.. H LnmFml.

Oct. 24, 1950 l.. E. KlsslNGER r-:TAL 2,526,670

ELEc'rRoLY'rIc swI'rcH 4 sheets-sheet 2 Filed Feb. 16, 1943 s 5 l 5 6 8 To 8 l 8 l 8 bwa/num' KISSINGER R. C. DUNCAN E. F. ELLISON J. D. TURLAY @www c 24, 1950 L. E. KlsslNGER ETAL 2,526,670

ELECTROLYTIC SWITCH 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 16, 1943l :inventor:

L. E. KISSINGER R. C, DUNCAN E. F. ELLISON J. D.'TURLAY Patented Oct. 24, 1950 ELECTROLYTIC SWITCH Lewis E. Kissinger, Washington, D. C., and Robert C. Duncan, Chevy Chase', Edward F. Ellison, Silver Spring, and Joseph D. Turlay, Bethesda,

Application February 16, 1943, Serial No. 476,062

(Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as

16 Claims.

amended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G. 757) This invention relates to time delay switch mechanisms in which the delay is accomplished by electrolytic means. More specifically, the invention relates to a time delay switch having an electrolyte therein adapted to cause the switching contacts to be actuated, this outward SI'OSOIl 0f all allOde element disposed Within. all movement 0f the anode being assisted, in Cerelectrolyte sufliciently to sever and release a pcrtain cases, by the pressure of the gas which may tion of the anode element and thereby actuate be general-,ed Wit-,hin the Chamber eontainingthe, a switching mechanism in predetermined time electrolyte by the electrolytic action of the de delay relation in response to an electric current vice Set up Within the eleC'fIOll/te by the operative The outward movement of the end portion of. connection of the cathode and anode elements the anode causes the actuation of a circuit cont0 a, Source Of electrical potential. The Switch trolling mechanism suitable for various uses is adapted to interrupt and/Or CIOS@ 011 01 mOle such, for example, as in disarming and/or arming. control circuits and is particularly adapted for e, mine, as the ease` may be, in predetermined use as an arming device for a marine mine in time delay relation. Y which the arming of the mine is delayed until One of the objects of the present inventionis a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the provision of a new and improved devicethe mine has been planted and the device is for controlling a circuit in which the circuit also adapted to disarm the mine at the complecontrol is delayed by electrolytic action. tion of a substantially longer period of time. Another of the objects is a new and improved T11 deVCeS heretofore DTODOSed fOT arming a switching device controlled by electrolysis. mine, it has been the general practice to em- Another object is. a new and improved elecploy various time delay mechanisms such, for trolytic switch having means for preventingY a. example, as clock mechanisms, water soluble demetallic connection between the anode and cathvices and the like adapted to operate a circuit ode as a result of a metallic growth within the: controlling device in time delayed relation with electrolyte. V respect to the planting of the mine. Such de- Still another object is the provision of an ele cvices have not proved entirely satisfactory under trolytic switch in which a moveable switching all conditions of service for the reason that the element is actuated in response to movement ofL clock mechanism may fail to complete a cycle a portion of the anode as the anode is severed of operations sufficient to actuate the circuit by electrolytic action. Y closing mechanism and the aforesaid water sol- A still further object is the provision` of a new uble devices are not, in general, adapted to effect and improved electrolytically controlled switch. relatively long delays, such, for example, as a which iseconomical to manufacture, positive in delay of several days or weeks, as the case may action and which possesses Aall of thequalitiesl be, before the mine is disarmed. of reliability and durability inservice. The device of the present invention comprises Still other objects, advantages and imprnvegA a tubular cathode member of suitable electroments will be apparent from the followingfde conducting material having a metallic anode. scription taken inv connection withrthe accom`- centrally arranged therein and normally inpanying drawings-of which: sulated therefrom by suitable insulating capsor Fig. l is a view of the device accordingtoa diaphragms, of which, at least one of the diapreferred embodiment of the invention; f phragms is adapted to permit endwise movement Fig. 2 is a view in section taken along .the of the anode when a sufficient portion of the line 2 2 of Figl; anode has been dissolved by the action of an Fig. 3 is. an end view of the device of Fig?. 2';`v electric current flowing between the anode and Fig. 4 is a view in section taken'along the line` cathode through an electrolyte disposed within 4 4 of Fig. l; Y' the device. The anode is normally maintained Fig. 5 is a View in elevation of anr alternate, in a state of tension by a resilient member operformofthe device; Y atively connected thereto until the electrolytic Fig. 6 is a plan view of the device of Fig. 5.; 'A action of the device has effected a transfer ofthe Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along the .lineV material of which the anode is composed tothe 1--1 of Fig. 6; -1' surface of the cathode by electrolytic action Fig. 8 isan end View of the device of Fig. 7; sufficient to sever the anode and thereby remove .ligY 9 is a fragmentary sectional View taken, the force restraining the moveable portion .of along theline 99 of Fig.5;

the anode in the original unoperated position:A

thereof. When this occurs, one of theV endipor` tions of the anode is moved outwardly by the aforesaid resilient member thereby causing the Fig. is a plan View of a modified form of the device;

Fig. l1 is an end View of the device of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a view in elevation of the device of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a view in section taken along the line I3-I 3 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 14 is a View in section taken along the line I4-I4 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary view in section taken along the line I5-I 5 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 16 illustrates diagrammatically a circuit arrangement in which the device of Fig. l is employed for disarming a firing mechanism;

Fig. 17 illustrates diagrammatically an arrangement suitable for use with the device of Fig. 10 for disarming a ring mechanism; and,

Fig. 18 illustrates in diagrammatic form an arrangement in which the device of Fig. 1 is employed for respectively arming and disarming a firing mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings on which like numerals of reference are employed to designate like parts throughout the several views and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof there is shown thereon an electrolytic switch indicated generally by the numeral Il] comprising a cylindrical cathode II composed of material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as copper having a base or support I2 secured thereto, a plurality of holes I3 being provided in the support to facilitate the mounting of the switch by suitable bolts or screws passing therethrough. An external circuit to the cathode is established by the terminal connection I4 arranged on the support I2. The cylindrical cathode II is provided with a recessed portion I5 therein of greater diameter than the cylindrical portion I5 thereby providing a shoulder I1 within the member II. A spacing member or washer I8 composed of acid resisting material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as hard rubber or Bakelite is arranged within the recessed portion I 5 in abutting relation with the shoulder I'I, the spacing member preferably having an inwardly extending portion I9 thereby additionally to support the anode 2| composed of material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as copper. There is also arranged within the recessed portion I5 a packing member 22 of acid resisting material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as flexible rubber or any of the synthetic varieties thereof adapted to be compressed by the washer 23 as the nut 24 is tightened within the tubular member Il. The washer 23 is composed of suitable insulating material such as hard rubber or Bakelite provided with an outwardly extending portion 25 slideably arranged within an aperture centrally disposed within the nut 24. The outer end of the anode is threaded and provided with a nut 26 adapted to clamp a terminal 2 to a washer or shoulder 28 secured to the anode in any suitable manner as by soldering the parts together.

The opposite end of the anode 2l is threaded into a member 29 composed of acid resisting material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as Bakelite or a plastic and provided with a recessed portion 3I having a flexible diaphragm 32 secured thereto in any suitable manner as by molding the diaphragm to the member. The

diaphragm may be composed of acid resisting material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as rubber or any of the synthetic varieties thereof and is provided preferably with a reinforcing annular member 33 molded within the outer cylindrical portion of the diaphragm thereby to facilitate the clamping of the diaphragm in sealed relation with the cathode II at the shoulder 34 formed therein, a washer 35 being arranged preferably between the clamping ring 36 threaded within the cathode and the diaphragm. A chamber 3l is thus formed within the cathode intermediate the diaphragm 32 and the spacing member I8 within which is arranged an electrolyte 38 suitable for the purpose such, for example, as a solution containing l2 percent of copper sulphate, 31/2 percent or" sulfuric acid and 841/2 percent distilled water. There is also arranged within the chamber 31 in contiguous relation with the cathode II a sleeve 39 of porous material such, for example, as blotting or lter paper thereby to prevent a metallic connection between the anode 2I and the cathode as the result of a spicular growth outwardly from the disk or washer 42 of suitable insulating material,

in abutting relation with a shoulder 43 arranged on the member 29 and adapted to move axially within the cathode by the action of a spring 44 arranged intermediate the disk 42 and the clamping ring 35. an outwardly extending portion 45 disposed within an aperture 46 arranged within the cap 41 of suitable insulating material secured to the end of the cathode II as by threading the parts together. The cap is provided with a contact spring 4B secured thereto as by the screw 49 adapted to be disengaged from the Contact member 5I and moved into engagement with the contact member 52 as the member 29 is moved outwardly by the spring 44 in response to the li severance of the anode ZI by the electrolytic action of the device. The contact springs 5I and 52 are secured to the cap 41 in any suitable manner as by the screws 53 and insulating spacing members 54.

In the arrangement shown on Figs. 5 to 9 the cathode comprises an expansible bellows 55 having a suitable electrolyte 56 therein secured at the ends thereof to the threaded supports 5l and 58 respectively. The support 58 is threaded within the member 59 arranged within a casing 6I of suitable insulating material and secured thereto as by the screw 62. A pair of nuts E3 threaded on the screw 62 is provided to establish an electrical connection between the terminal 64 and the cathode.

The support 58 is fitted with a tapered packing member 65 of suitable acid resisting material in abutting relation with a collar 35 having a shoulder 6l thereon in registered engagement with the member 59 thereby to seal and support the anode 68. An electrical connection is established between the terminal 69 and the anode by the nuts 'II threaded thereon. In a similar manner the support 5l is threaded within the member 'I2 slideably arranged within the casing 6I. The support 5'! is provided with a tapered bushing or packing 'I3 of acid resisting material similar to the packing member 65 and provided with a collar 'I4 similar to the collar 65 whereby the support 51 is secured to the member 'I2 and insulated from the anode 58 passing therethrough. There is also provided a washer 'I5 in abutting relation with the member 'I2 adapted to coact with the shoulder 'I6 on the anode 68 the nuts 1I are tightened.

The member 29 is also provided with;

The moveable contact spring member 11 is secured to the casing 6| as bythe screw |8, a terminal 19 being provided preferably to establish an external circuit connection to the contact spring. The contact spring is tensioned outwardly and normally maintained in electrical engagement with a contact member 8|- by a pin 82 of insulating material secured to the projecting portion 83 of the anode 68. The` projecting portion 83 is disposed within an aperture 84 arranged within the contact member Hof suiiicient size to prevent electrical contact between the anode and the contact member.

When the anode has been eroded. sufficiently by electrolytic action to cause the portion 83 thereof to be moved outwardly, the contact spring member is disengaged from the contact member 8| and brought into electrical engagement with the contact member 85. The contact members 8| and 85 are secured to the plate 88 of suitable insulating material such, for example, as Bakelite in any suitable manner and provided with terminals 8l and 88 respectively. The plate 86 is supported on the casing 6| as by the screws 89 whereby the contacts 8| and 85 are continuously maintained in predetermined space relation. The device is also provi-ded with a sleeve 9| of porous material such, for example, as blot-- ting or lter paper to prevent a metallic connection between the anode and the cathode as the result of spicular growths on the cathode.

On Figs. 10 to 15 is shown another modified form of the device comprising a casing 92 having a cylindrical aperture therein within which is arranged a tubular cathode 93 preferably of copper having rounded ends adapted to be engaged by a pair of iiexible diaphragme S4 and 95 thereby to form a chamber 96 within which is arranged an electrolyte 97|. The cathode is secured to the casing 94 as by the stud 98 and nuts 99, a terminal i|l| being arranged between the nuts thereby to establish an external circuit connection to the cathode. The casing has two recessed portions |02 and |83 therein within which are respectively arranged the pair of flexible diaphragms 94 and 95. each of the diaphragme being provided preferably with an annular member |04 thereby to maintain the diaphragme in sealed relation with the casing 92. as the clamping rings |85 threaded within the casing are tightened. There is also provided preferably a washer |85 between each of the clamping rings and the associated iiexible diaphragm. The recessed portions |82 and |83 are so arranged that the vilexible diaphragms are adapted to be brought into sealed relation with respect to the cathodeas the clamping rings are tightened.

Within the chamber 96 is preferably arranged example, as blotting or filter paper in abutting relation with the cathode to prevent a metallic connection between the cathode and anode as the result of the electrolytic action of the device. Each of the flexible diaphragms 94 and` 95 is provided With a central core or insert to which the diaphragms are molded adapted to receive and support the anode |88 arrangedtherein. Each of the diaphragms 94 and 95 includes a portion |89 extending inwardly and provided with an aperture of suiciently small size to seal the diaphragm to the anode and prevent the escape of the electrolyte from the chamber 96. One end of the cathode is provided with a pair of nuts adapted to clamp the terminal l2 thereto and flex the diaphragms inwardly as the nuts are tightened thereby to apply a pressure to the f material suitable: forthe purpose such, for example, as Bakelite or hard rubber having a pair ofslotted portions ||6 therein within which are arranged the contact springs Hl and||8 respectively. Each of; the contact springs and ||8 is, secured to the casing 82 as by the screws IIB and provided with a terminal i2! for establishing an external circuit connection thereto. The contact springs Hl and H8 are normally maintained in engagement with the contact members |22 by the aforesaid' pin contact* members |23 when the anode has lbeen separated by electrolytic action. ,Thecontacts |22 andx|23 are supported by a plate l2@ of'suitable insulating material secured on thecasing 92 as by the screws |25, each of the contact members |22 and A| 23 being provided with terminals |26 for establishing an external circuit connection thereto.

The operation of the device when employed for disarming ka iiring mechanism will best Vbe understood by reference to Fig. 16 in which the device |10y is employed to disarm the firing mechanism |21 employed With a marine mine. When the mine has been launched within a body of water a pair of contacts 28 .are closed by any well known means suchfor example, as by the opera- Y tion of a clock mechanism |29 controlledby a hydrostat |3I. When this occurs, a circuit is closed from the positive terminal of Ibattery B by way of conductor |32, contacts i8 and 5| of the switching mechanism, conductor |33, firing mechanism |21', conductor |34, contacts |28, conductor |35 and thence to the negative terminal of battery B thereby arming the mine.v A circuit is also closed from the positive terminal of battery Bl by way of conductor |32V and anode 2|, from whence the circuit is continued by way of the electrolyteand cathode or" the switching mechanism i0, conductor |35, resistance |31,v conductor' IM, contacts 28 and* conductor |35 to the negative terminal of battery B. Positive potential is thus applied to the anode of the electrolytic switch thereby causing decomposition of the anode lby electrolytic action, the decemposed material of the anode being deposited upon the cathode .the rate of decomposition being controlled bythe resistance |37. y When the decomposition has progressed Sulliciently to cause the anode toseparate, the spring 44= causesthe end portion 45 of the member 29 secured to the anode to be moved outwardly thereby disengaging the contact spring 48 from the contact spring 5| and causing the Contact spring 48 to be engaged by the contact spring 52. As the contact i8 is movedaway from Contact 5| the circuit to the firing mechanism is interruptedV thereby disarming the mine. The movement of the contact 48 into engagement withV contact 52 closes a discharge circuit from the positive terminal of `battery B by way of conductor |32, contacts 481 and 52, conductor |38.,

H4 and`V adapted to be moved into engagement with the resistance |39, conductor |34, contacts |28, conductor |35 and thence to the negative terminal of battery B thereby causing the battery to be completely discharged through a discharge circuit including the resistance |39.

Fig. 1'7 illustrates diagrammatically a circuit arrangement suitable for use with the device of Figs. 10 to 15 when employed for disarming a mine. In the arrangement of Fig. 17 the contact springs and ||8 are electrically connected together by a conductor |4I. The pair of contacts |22 is connected together by conductor |42 and, in like manner, the pair of contacts |23 is connected together by conductor |48. The operation of contacts |28 of the clock mechanism |29 closes an arming circuit from battery B to the firing mechanism |21, the arming circuit including contact springs ||1 and ||8 and their associated contacts |22 respectively in parallel. When the electrolytic action of the device has progressed sufficiently to sever the anode |88 thereof, the contact springs ||1 and ||8 are disengaged from their contacts |22 and brought into engagement with their contacts |23 thereby closing the discharge circuit for the battery B by way of contact springs ||1 and ||8 and their associated contacts |23 respectively in parallel, the discharge circuit including the resistance |39.

On Fig. 18 is shown in diagrammatic form a complete system in which a pair of devices Ill is employed for arming and disarming respectively the firing mechanism |21. When contacts |28 of the clock mechanism are moved into engagement with each other a circuit is closed from the positive terminal of battery B by way of contacts |28, conductor |44, contacts 48 and 5| of the arming device A, the anode 2| thereof from whence the circuit is continued by way of the electrolyte of the device, cathode resistance |45 and conductor |45 tothe negative terminal of battery B. In a similar manner posi tive potential is applied by way of conductor |44 to the anode 2| of the disarming device D, the circuit being continued by way of the electrolyte within the device, the cathode thereof, resistance |41 and. thence by way of conductor |46 to the negative terminal of battery B. The rate of decomposition of each of the anodes within the devices A and D is controlled by the resistances |45 and |41 respectively. When employed in the manner disclosed in Fig. 18 the resistance |41 is of a sufficiently high order of magnitude to prevent the operation of the device D until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the device A has operated, this period of time corresponding to the armed period of the mine. The resistance |45 is of relatively low value with respect to resistance |41 whereby the electrolytic action of the device A progresses at a more rapid rate than the electrolytic action of the device D, the operation of device A causing the mine to be armed as follows:

As contact 48 moves away from contact 5| of device A in response to the severance of the anode 2| thereof, positive battery is removed from anode 2| cf device A. The engagement of contact 52 with contact spring 48 closes a circuit from positive terminal of battery B by way of contacts |28, conductor |44, contacts 48 and 52 of device A, conductor |48, contacts 48 and 5| of device D, conductor |49, firing mechanism |21 from whence the circuit is continued by way of conductor |48 to the negative terminal of battery B thereby arming the mine.

When the electrolytic action of the device D has progressed suciently to sever the anode 2| thereof contact spring 48 of device D is moved away from contact 5| and brought into engagement with contact 52. As contact spring 48 moves away from contact 5| positive battery is removed from the ring mechanism |21 thereby disarming the mine. As contact spring 48 moves into engagement with contact 52 a discharge circuit is closed from positive terminal of battery B by way of contacts |28, conductor |44, contacts 48 and 52 of the arming device A, conductor |48, contact spring 48 and contact 52 of the disarming device D, conductor |5I, resistance |52, the circuit being continued by way of conductor |46 to the negative terminal of battery B thereby completely discharging battery B and rendering the mine harmless.

Whereas in the arrangement of Fig. 18 the anode 2| of the discharge device D is shown connected to the conductor |44 whereby the electrolytic action of the device D is started immediately upon the closure of contacts |28, it will be understood that other circuit arrangements may be employed, if desired, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In particular, the anode 2| of the discharge device D may, if desired, be disconnected from conductor |44 and connected to conductor |48 whereby initiation of the electrolytic action of the device D is delayed until the contact spring 48 of the arming device A moves into engagement with contact 52 in response to the operation of the arming device A.

Brieiiy stated in summary, the present invention contemplates the provision of an electrolytically controlled switch mechanism adapted to actuate a contact element by movement of a portion of the anode when the anode has been severed by the electrolytic action of the device in which means are employed to prevent a metallic connection between the anode and cathode as the result of a spicular growth on the anode within the electrolyte and in which the device may be employed to eifect a delayed control of an external circuit such, for example, as the control circuit employed for disarming and/or arming a mine.

While the invention disclosed has been described with reference to several particular examples thereof which give satisfactory results, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, after understanding the invention, that various changes and modifications may be employed without depart`` ing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is our intention, therefore, in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications.

The invention herein described and claimed may be manufactured and used by and for the Government of the United States -of America for governmental purposes without payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

What is claimed as new and desired to be securd by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. An electrolytic switch having a container therein, said container comprising a cathode element, a moveable sealing device included within said container, an electrolyte arranged within the container in contact with said cathode element, an anode element disposed within the electrolyte and secured at one end thereof to said moveable sealing device, means for applying tension to said anode element, a source of electrical power, means for operatively connecting said cathode and anode elements respectively to said source of electrical power thereby tocause a flow of electric current within the electrolyte sufficient to decompose and sever the anode element, and a switching element adapted to be actuated by said tension applying means as the anode element is severed.

2. An electrolytic switch having a container therein, an electrolyte disposed within said container, an anode arranged within said electrolyte and having one end thereof secured to the container, a exible member adapted to .seal said container, means for securing the .other end .of the anode to said flexible member, means for yieldably urging the flexible member and said other end of the anode outwardly from the container, a cathode in contact with said/electrolyte, means for setting up a flow of electricalcurrent between the anode and cathode within the electrolyte, and a switching element adapted to be actuated by said tension applying meansfas -the anode is severed by decomposition in response to said iiow of electrical current.

3. An electrolytic switch of the character disclosed having a container therein, said container comprising a cathode element, an electrolyte dis-A posed within said container, means including a flexible diaphragm f insulating material secured to said cathode for enclosing said container, a plunger secured to said exible diaphragm, an anode secured to said plunger at oneend thereof, means for securing the other end of the anode to said cathode in insulated relation therewith, a resilient device, means for operatively connecting said resilient device to the plunger thereby to apply tension to said anode', means for `causinga flow of electric current between the anode -and the cathode thereby to decompose a, portion of the anode, and contact means adapted to bey actu.- ated by said plunger when the anode has abeen decomposed by said flow o1-v current suiciently to permit the plunger to be moved by.. said resilient device.

4. A time delay switching mechanism comprising an expansible cathode, an ,electroconductive uid within said cathode., an .anode havinga portion thereof arranged within said fluid, .meansincluding a pair of supports of insulating, material for said anode adapted to prevent theexpansion of the cathode until the anode has been severed, a casing having, a recessed .portion-@within which the cathode is adapted to expand, .means for securing one end of the cathode to saidcasing, means including an external circuit connection for causing an electric current. to owjrom the anode to the cathode through said A,iiuid sufiicientg to sever the anode by electrolysis when;a...1fzredeAA termined `period of time Yhas elapsed, ar circuit control device secured to said casing,y and means adapted to actuate the circuit:,contro1 device as the cathode expands in response to the severance of the anode by electrolysis.

5. A time delay switching mechanism comprise ing an expansible cathode, an electroconductive fluid within said cathode, an anode having a, portion thereof arranged within said fluid, means including a pair of supports of insulating material for said anode adapted to -prevent the expansion of the cathode until the anode has beenl severed, a casing having a recessed portion within which the cathode is adapted to expand, means for securing one end of the cathode to said casing,

means including an external circuitconnection for causing an electric current to iow `from the.

10 anode to the cathode through said fluidlsuiiicient to `sever theA anode. by electrolysis when a: vprede:-` termined period of `time has elapsedpe, circuit control `device secured to ,said casing, means adapted to actuate theecircuit.control devie the cathodeexpan'ds. in responseto the severance oi the anode by electrolysis, and means includedwithin said extern-alY circuitor controliingaid predeterminedperiod of time. I 6. An electrolytic switchhaving an anode Vmeitel ber, contact-means operativelyconnected Ato oxi end of said anode memberl and normallyimains-l tained in an initialposition thereby, means iris cluding a cathode forsevering theV anodememher by electrolytic decomposition,` and. meansmfor' actuating saidfcontact means as the anode mem-f beris severed. f 7.'In a switching device lof the character-d'1 closed, thel combination of, a moveable c'soI-ltaicffl) member having an.initial `position andajmoved position, Ya.' contact;element'adaptedtobe engaged E by said contact member while the contact mem-H ber is in said .initialpositionr means'` includingan anode for .releasably Ymaintaining saidV Contact member in said initial position, Yan electrolyte u member as the contact member ismovedrtolsaid moved position,v and means formoving thejconz-y Y tact member into saidY moved lposition inengagee l mentwithsaid second contact elementwhenigthe anode hasbeen-severed by erosion. .k

Y8. In an electrolytic switch,=the combinationeoi a vcylindrical cathode havinga chamber therein, a pair oiflexible .diaphragms,`means for securing said diaphragms on opposite ends respectivelyof the cathode `thereby to sealr and, enclose, Said chambenan anode s upportedfby said diaphragme` and arranged within saidl chamber, an `electroconductive -uid 4within the chamber in communication with saidanode and cathode, means for causing al ow of current between the` anode and cathode through said fluid in a `direction to erode the anode, means on said anodefonflexingjsaid cathode tolsaid supportgla pair otflexiblehdiae phragms, .sai pairr of: cylindrical recessed portions within said supporti in substantial abutting.relaen tion with eachof the. ends .of said 'cylindrical cathode respectively, a pair of rigid anmxiar members:V arranged within, the outer vcylindrical portion-oi each of said ,diaphragme `adapted to t slideably-within the cylindrical portionshf said supportmeans for clamping said .diaphragms. to the support in sealed .relationwth said ,cathode,v;an anode supported .by A.eachffoi saiddiaphragms in .substantial coaxial spaced'. relation with said cathode, ,anelectrolytegras tained within the cathode by said. diaphragmsj` said electrolyte beingin contact with ,theicath-J ode and anode, means forcausing a.lowv-of--cui1--v rent between the anode and cathode through said electrolyte in a direction to decompose the anode, and switching means controlled by at least one of said diaphragms adapted to be operated in response to the severence of the anode by decomposition caused by said ow of current.

10. In an electrolytic switch, in combination, a cathode having a chamber therein, an electrolyte within said chamber, an anode in contact with said electrolyte, means for causing a flow of electric current within the electrolyte between said anode and cathode in a direction to decompose the anode, means for supporting the anode within said chamber in predetermined space relation with respect to said cathode, said last named means including a flexible member adapted to allow movement of one of the portions of said anode as the anode is severed by decomposition in response to said flow of current, switching means controlled by the moveable portion of said anode, and means for preventing an internal metallic conducting connection between the anode and cathode as the result of a spicular growth on the anode.

11. An electrolytic switch having a plurality of moveable contact elements adapted to be operated in unison, a plurality of contact devices corresponding respectively to each of said moveable contact elements, means including an anode for maintaining the contact elements continuously in engagement with said contact devices, an electrolyte in contact with said anode, a cathode having a chamber within which said electrolyte is arranged, means for causing a ilow of electric current through the electrolyte between the anode and the cathode in a direction to decompose the anode, a plurality of contact devices corresponding respectively to each of said contact elements and adapted to be engaged thereby as the contact elements are moved out of engagement with said rst named plurality of contact devices, and means for moving said contact elements into engagement with the last named contact devices as the anode is decomposed by said flow of currentl suciently to be severed.

l2. In a system for arming and disarming a mine, a firing mechanism, a source of electrical power, an arming circuit, means responsive to the pressure of the water for closing said arming circuit from said source of power to the Iiring mechanism, an electrolytic switch arranged to be set in operation by said closure means and having an anode adapted to be severed by electrolytic action in time delayed relation with respect to the closing of said arming circuit, said electrolytic switch having a pair of normally closed contacts included within said arming circuit, means for disengaging said normally closed contacts as the anode is severed, a, pair of normally open contacts adapted to be closed by said last named means, and a discharge circuit including a resistance element adapted to be connected to said source of electrical power as the normally open contacts are closed.

13. In a system for arming and disarming a mine, a firing mechanism, a source of electrical power, an arming circuit, means for closing said arming circuit from said source of power to the ring mechanism, an electrolytic switch having an anode adapted to be severed by electrolytic action, means controlled by said closing means for initiating said electrolytic action si- 12 multaneously with the closing of said arming circuit, a pair of normally closed contacts on said electrolytic switch included within said arming circuit, means for disengaging said normally closed contacts as the anode is severed, a pair of normally open contacts adapted to be closed by said last named means, and a discharge circuit including a resistive load adapted to be connected to said source of electrical power as the normally open contacts are closed.

14. In a system for arming and disarming a mine, a source of electrical power, an electrolytic switch having an anode, means for operatively connecting the anode to said source of electrical power, a pair of normally open contacts on said switch adapted to be closed as the anode is severed by electrolysis, a second electrolytic switch having an anode operatively connected to said source of electrical power, a pair of normally closed contacts on said second switch connected in series with the open contacts of the first named switch, a firing mechanism adapted to be armed as the normally open contacts of the rst switch are closed, means for causing the normally closed contacts of the second switch to be disengaged in response to movement of a portion of the anode thereof as the anode is severed by electrolysis, means for causing the rate of decomposition of the anode of the second switch to be retarded sumciently to delay the operation of the second switch until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the first named switch has operated thereby to disarm the firing mechanism when said predetermined period of time has expired, a discharge circuit, a pair of normally open contacts on said second switch adapted to connect the discharge circuit to said source o electrical po-wer as the contacts are closed, and means for closing said last named contacts as the second switch operates.

15. In a system for arming and disarming a mine, a ring mechanism, a source of electrical power, an arming circuit, a pair of contacts adapted to close said arming circuit from the ring mechanism to said source of power, electrolytic means for closing said contacts, a pair of normally closed contacts included in said arming circuit, a second electrolytic means adapted to disengage said normally closed contacts in time delayed relation with respect to the closure of the rst named contacts thereby' to interrupt said arming circuit and disarm the ring mechanism, means controlled by said second electrolytic means for disabling said source of electrical power when the arming circuit has been interrupted, and a pair of current control devices respectively associated with each of said electrolytic means respectively for causing a predetermined delay in the operation of each of said electrolytic means.

16. In a system for arming and disarming a mine having a firing mechanism, the combination of a source of electrical power, an initially open arming circuit for the ring mechanism including said source of power, means for closing said arming circuit, an electrolytic switch arranged to be set in operation by said closure means and having a member adapted to be severed by electrolytic action in time delayed relation to the closing of the arming circuit, an

initially open discharge circuit for the source of power, circuit controlling means adapted when said discharge circuit, and means controlled byV 13 Y said member for actuating said circuit con- Number trolling means as the member is severed. 1,382,374

LEWIS E. KISSINGER. 1,388,658 ROBERT C. DUNCAN. 1,450,059 EDWARD F. ELLISON. 5 1,491,004 JOSEPH D. TURLAY.

REFERENCES CITED Nungess 3 The following references are of record in the lo 657,288

le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Maxim June 21, 192-1 Marshall Aug. 23, 1921 Becker May 2,7, 1923 Dufe Apr. 22, 1924 FOREIGN PATENTS Country y .Date Germany June 2, 1920 Germany Mar. 1, 1938 

